Doha: Indian Cultural Centre Foundation Day was celebrated on September 8, 2021 to commemorate three decades in service to the Indian community in Qatar.
Prominent Indian community members, with the support of the Embassy of India, joined together to establish an apex organization named Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) and the first-ever meeting was held at the embassy premises on September 8, 1991. The successful three decades journey began under the patronage of former Ambassador of India to Qatar Ramesh Chandra Shukla. ICC was formally inaugurated on October 26, 1992.
Anshu Jain was the MC of the day. One minute silence was observed in memory of those founder members who are resting in eternal peace.
Krishnkumar, ICC General Secretary, delivered the welcome address and announced that ICC would continue to celebrate Foundation Day to remember the hard work done by the donors, founders, life members and past managing committees.
Roland Mendonca, the first elected president of ICC from 1993 to 95, spoke about his memories and experiences in forming ICC. Noreen Patcy Ronald Mendonca, who was the first ICC Founder Member, was also present among the audience.
Anjan Ganguli presented a cheque to ICC President in support for 75th India Independence celebrations and also a shawl to Ronald Mendonca for his outstanding service to the Indian Community
Hassan Chougule, a Founder Member of all four Indian apex bodies and served as President and Advisory Council chairman for two terms, shared his journey starting from drafting the constitution to date.
ICC President PN BabuRajan lauded unmatched contributions and sacrifices by founder members in building the ICC of today.
Chief Guest of the evening HE Dr Deepak Mittal, Ambassador of India to Qatar, expressed happiness about ICC functioning as a apex body over three decades and was pleased by the efforts of all the past community leaders and their hard work, which is evident and visible in all fronts.
“Mirror” a souvenir was released by the ambassador, has messages from past presidents, community leaders and current committee members along with a gallery of pictures from day one of ICC formation.
The function was attended by former and current office bears like Xavier Dhanraj, KS Prasad, KM Varghese, Milan Arun, Manikatan, AK Usman, N V Kader, Azeem Abbas and HP Singh Bullar.
Subramanya Hebbagelu, Vice President of ICC, presented vote of thanks.
